Wyoming FFA at the State Fair: Celebrating Agriculture, Youth, and Community

The Wyoming State Fair has always been an exciting time of the year. It is where agriculture, youth leadership, and community all come together in the best way. For the Wyoming FFA Foundation, it is also a time when we get to see firsthand the talent and dedication of our members and incredible advisors. From animals in the barns to projects in the exhibit building, the fair is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

This year was full of moments that made us proud and grateful.

FFA Members Showcasing Their Skills

FFA members filled the fairgrounds with their hard work and creativity. From chickens and pigs to horses and steers, students proudly exhibited animals they had cared for all year. Inside the halls, their projects showed the many things they had built, grown, and raised. The only thing missing was alpacas. Each exhibit told a story of effort, learning, and commitment — the kind of hands-on experience that makes FFA so valuable.

Connecting With Leaders in Agriculture

The State Fair is also a chance to connect with leaders who shape the future of Wyoming agriculture. At the Wyoming Ag Hall of Fame induction, our Executive Director represented the Foundation and visited with the Wyoming Congressional delegation and Governor Mark Gordon. It was an opportunity to share the impact of FFA and extend invitations to future events like the Blue Jeans Ball this September in Cheyenne.

We also spent time with agricultural education advisors from across the state. These teachers give so much to their students, and their dedication is a big part of why agricultural education remains strong in Wyoming.

The Blue and Gold Taxi Service

One of our favorite fair traditions is the Blue and Gold Taxi Service. Thanks to the support of First Northern Bank of Wyoming, the taxis help fairgoers get around easily and at no cost. The bank not only sponsored the service but also provided volunteer drivers, making it possible for us to keep the taxis running all week long. Their generosity shows the kind of partnership that makes a difference.

Cowboy Cornhole: Fun With a Purpose

Another highlight of the fair was Cowboy Cornhole, a fun event that raises funds for both the Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation and the Wyoming FFA Foundation. We are deeply thankful to every sponsor who helped make it a success:

• Diamond Level: Wyoming Livestock Roundup, WREA

• Platinum Level: First Northern Bank of Wyoming, A & C Towing, Farm Credit Services of America, Platte Valley Companies

• Gold Level: Laramie County Conservation District, Lower Wind River Conservation District, Trihydro, Points West Community Bank

• Silver Level: Big Horn Basin Livestock Auction, South Goshen Conservation District, Wyoming Stock Growers Association, WyoTech

• Bronze Level: Sublette County Conservation District

• Drinks Sponsor: Douglas Rotary Club

  
  

Special thanks also go to Tuboscope for donating custom aluminum cornhole boards for the winners and to Wyld Gear for providing prizes for the youth tournament. We were especially excited to award $100 to the Casper FFA chapter for their top youth FFA team. Celebrating our students in this way is exactly what makes the fair so special.

Celebrating at the Wyoming FFA Pie Social

Another special tradition during the State Fair is the Wyoming FFA Pie Social. It is always a sweet time to gather with members, advisors, and supporters while celebrating the achievements of the year. Awards are presented to chapters and individual members and also the coveted buckle for Ag Teacher of the Year. This year, that honor went to Grace Godfrey from the Chief Washakie FFA in Worland. Recognizing the dedication of our advisors is important, because behind every student’s success is a teacher who has invested their heart and energy into guiding them forward.

Why We Do What We Do

One of the moments that stood out at the fair was seeing some of our 2025-2026 Wyoming State FFA Officers stop to watch a band of teen FFA members perform. It was a wonderful reminder that FFA is for every student, whether their passion is raising livestock, building projects, growing crops, or making music. Leadership, friendship, and a sense of belonging are at the heart of FFA, and this moment with officers and band members together showed just how wide and welcoming our community truly is.

Looking Ahead

As we look back on this year’s fair, we are filled with gratitude - for our members, our sponsors, our advisors, and the families and communities that stand beside them. The Wyoming State Fair is not just a celebration of agriculture. It is a celebration of resilience, leadership, and the bright future of our state.

Now we look ahead to September 20 in Cheyenne for the Blue Jeans Ball. It will be another chance to gather, celebrate, and support Wyoming FFA.

If you are inspired by what you see at the State Fair, we invite you to get involved. You can volunteer your time, sponsor an event, or make a donation to the Foundation. Every bit of support helps us provide opportunities for FFA members to grow as leaders and carry agriculture forward. Together, we are investing in the future of Wyoming.